Spring has meant a time of change at the Kalona Chamber of Commerce. Tonia Poole has been named the organization’s new director. Poole, a native of Wellman and Mid-Prairie alumna, says that the early days in the position have been busy, taking over in the time ahead of Kalona Days with an eye ahead at the state fair, fall festival and more long term goals for the Chamber. She spoke with KCII News about the role of the Chamber, her goals for the organization and what has her most excited about the future. “This position and the Chamber gives a great chance to brag about our businesses and the uniqueness of the Kalona community. The goal of the director in my opinion is to bring clarity and support to the business community. We love having the tourists and the visitors come in, but, the businesses need to thrive and be strong to meet those needs. So it really starts with working with the businesses to move forward. My goal is to strengthen those relationships. Find out what are the needs of local businesses. Do we know what those are? What can we do to meet them?” 

Poole is also joined by a new assistant director, Krista Hershberger. The Kalona Chamber of Commerce serves more than 70 members of the local business community.